A2Sea Creations on Etsy

Thursday, March 17, 2011

What Can You Do To Help Japan?

Vancouver Island Etsy Artists Use Their Talents To Help Japan

Most of us have been experiencing a general feeling of helplessness as we watch the recent devastation incurred after the earthquake/tsunami in Japan. Our team of Vancouver Island artists and crafters from Etsy.com have joined forces to try and make a difference.

A new Facebook page entitled 'What Can You Do To Help Japan?' was created by the team for that purpose. This innovative project offers an affordable, creative way for anyone to help, regardless of their budget. People are encouraged to donate one or more items to sell, or a percentage of what they sell, to the cause.

The Vancouver Island Etsy Team was created by its captain, Lindsay Jenkins of 'Sunshine Jewls', and its mandate is to bring island crafters together from Sooke to Port Hardy to network, communicate, support and build one another's handmade businesses. Etsy is a social commerce website focused on handmade or vintage items as well as art and craft supplies. One of its aims is to restore community and culture to our commerce.

Here's how the Facebook project works; you are asked to place a photo of what you wish to donate and include a link, if you have one, so others may find the item and have the opportunity to purchase it. If the item does not have a link, you are asked to add a price instead. You are then asked to share the page link with your contacts and invite them to donate something also, or to shop amongst the donated items. The proceeds from the sales are then donated to whichever organization the seller trusts that assists in the Japan disaster relief efforts.

Here is a quote posted on the page: "I am only one, but I am one. I cannot do everything, but I can do something. And I will not let what I cannot do interfere with what I can do." Edward Everett Hale

The team has produced a touching YouTube video to drive traffic to the Japan project page. It can be found below and online @ http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KluiOr5pmF4 The team has also organized a Spring Meet-Up for April 22nd at 2 pm in Ladysmith to network, plan and share ideas. Some of the handcrafted items they are donating to the Japan Disaster Relief Efforts will be on display there as well.

"Nobody made a greater mistake than he who did nothing because he could only do a little." Edmund Burke